BJ League Round 10: Leader Oita Heat Devils lose to Osaka Evessa - Nov 11, 2012
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It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in BJ League, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.
Top ranked Oita Heat Devils (7-2) recorded its second loss at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked Osaka Evessa (1-4) 86-82. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Oita Heat Devils. They outrebounded Oita Heat Devils 47-27 including 32 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Osaka Evessa especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American center Darnell Cox (211-85, college: Miss.Valley St., agency: Court Side) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The other American import forward Nathan Walkup (200-88, college: Texas A&M, agency: SDJ Sports) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds. Osaka Evessa's coach Zoran Kreckovic used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Wendell White (198-84, college: UNLV, agency: Top Notch Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds for lost side. Osaka Evessa left bottom position moving up to ninth place. Oita Heat Devils at the other side dropped to the second position with two games lost. Osaka Evessa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Oita Heat Devils will play again at home against Osaka Evessa and are hoping to win this game. Second-ranked Akita Happinets (6-1) made lots of trouble for first ranked Iwate Big Bulls (10-1). Iwate Big Bulls managed to secure only two-point victory 76-74. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Akita Happinets. Worth to mention a great performance of Nigerian-American power forward Reggie Okosa (208-80, college: La Salle, agency: Top Notch Sports) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Carlos Dixon contributed with 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American forward T.J. Cummings (205-81, college: UCLA, agency: Top Notch Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds for Akita Happinets. Akita Happinets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Iwate Big Bulls maintains first position with 10-1 record. Akita Happinets at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. Iwate Big Bulls will again play against Akita Happinets (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Akita Happinets will have a break next round. A very close game took place in Yokohama between Yokohama BC and Shinshu BW. Sixth ranked Yokohama BC (5-2) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Shinshu BW (5-4). Yokohama BC managed to escape with a 3-point win 85-82 in the fight for the fifth place. The game was dominated by American players. Draelon Burns scored 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners. Yokohama BC's coach Reggie Geary allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the losing side Jermaine Green responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 22 rebounds. Yokohama BC have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Shinshu BW lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Yokohama BC will again meet at home Shinshu BW (#6) in the next round. Shinshu BW will have a break next round. Very important is a road loss of second ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix (7-5) against ninth ranked Kyoto Hannar. (2-8) on Saturday night. Visiting Hamamatsu Phoenix was defeated by Kyoto Hannar. in Kyoto 80-63. Leonardo Pomare notched a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort. Hamamatsu Phoenix's coach tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. Kyoto Hannar. moved-up to eighth place. Hamamatsu Phoenix at the other side dropped to the third position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Very important is a road loss of second ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix (7-5) against ninth ranked Kyoto Hannar. (2-8) on Friday night. Visiting Hamamatsu Phoenix was defeated by Kyoto Hannar. in a tough game in Kyoto 75-84. Yu Okada fired 20 points and 4 assists for the winners. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kyoto Hannar. moved-up to eighth place. Loser Hamamatsu Phoenix dropped to the third position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Rest of the games of round 10 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are: Okinawa GK crushed Miyazaki SS in a road game 108-66. Takamatsu FA beat Shimane SM at home 72-61. Fukuoka Rizing destroyed Shiga L-Stars on the opponent's court 99-75. Tokyo Cinq R. outscored Sendai 89ers in a home game 89-68. Winless Gunma were rolled over Toyama Grouses on the road 99-71. Niigata Albirex crushed Saitama Bron. on its own court 100-71.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix (7-5) against ninth ranked Kyoto Hannar. (2-8) on Saturday night. Visiting Hamamatsu Phoenix was defeated by Kyoto Hannar. in Kyoto 80-63. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Kyoto Hannar.'s pressure prevailed and they won that period 23-11 extending their advantage to 17 points. Kyoto Hannar. outrebounded Hamamatsu Phoenix 40-25 including a 28-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Hamamatsu Phoenix's players. American-Panamanian forward Leonardo Pomare (203-86, college: San Diego, agency: Top Notch Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and American forward David Palmer (201-82, college: S.Utah, agency: Top Notch Sports) supported him with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Even 19 points and 6 rebounds by American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic, agency: Top Notch Sports) did not help to save the game for Hamamatsu Phoenix. His fellow American import point guard Kevin Galloway (200-88, college: Texas Southern, agency: Top Notch Sports) added 13 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Hamamatsu Phoenix's coach tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. Kyoto Hannar. moved-up to eighth place. Hamamatsu Phoenix at the other side dropped to the third position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Kyoto Hannar.: L.Pomare 27+14reb+1ast, D.Palmer 16+7reb+2ast, Y.Okada 12+2reb+3ast, J.Boyette 9+2reb+4ast, M.Kataoka 5+4reb+2ast, T.Murakami 4+1reb+7ast Hamamatsu P.: J.Parmer 19+6reb+1ast, K.Galloway 13+6reb+3ast, Y.Tsubasa 8+1reb, A.Thomas 7+4reb, M.Ohguchi 5+1reb, S.Nakanishi 4
There was no surprise when 8th ranked Miyazaki Shining Suns (1-8) were crushed at home by top-ranked Okinawa GK (7-0) 108-66 on Saturday. Miyazaki Shining Suns were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The game was also dominated by American players. Anthony McHenry (202-83, college: Georgia Tech) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Terrance Woodbury (201-87, college: Georgia) chipped in 22 points. Woodbury is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Five Okinawa GK players scored in double figures. Okinawa GK's coach Tohyama Kouto felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Dominique Keller (203-88, college: Illinois) produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds and guard Larriques Cunningham (198-88, college: Lee) added 22 points and 14 rebounds respectively for lost side. Okinawa GK have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Miyazaki Shining Suns lost eighth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with eight games lost. Okinawa GK will have a break next round. Miyazaki Shining Suns will play again at home against the league's leader Okinawa GK (#1). Top scorers: Okinawa GK: T.Woodbury 22+4reb+1ast, A.McHenry 16+13reb+1ast, J.Newton 16+8reb+3ast, N.Namizato 14+3reb+5ast, D.Larkai 14+7reb, M.Yamauchi 10+4reb+2ast Miyazaki SS: D.Keller 28+10reb+1ast, L.Cunningham 22+14reb+1ast, Y.Kojima 6+5reb, K.Ito 4+6reb+3ast, T.Fairley 4+7reb+1ast, K.Shigenaga 2+1reb
Top ranked Oita Heat Devils (7-2) recorded its second loss at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked Osaka Evessa (1-4) 86-82. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Oita Heat Devils. They outrebounded Oita Heat Devils 47-27 including 32 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Osaka Evessa especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American center Darnell Cox (211-85, college: Miss.Valley St., agency: Court Side) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The other American import forward Nathan Walkup (200-88, college: Texas A&M, agency: SDJ Sports) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds. Walkup is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Osaka Evessa's coach Zoran Kreckovic used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Wendell White (198-84, college: UNLV, agency: Top Notch Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds and guard Taishiro Shimizu (183-81) added 15 points and 8 assists respectively for lost side. Five Osaka Evessa and four Oita Heat Devils players scored in double figures. Osaka Evessa left bottom position moving up to ninth place. Oita Heat Devils at the other side dropped to the second position with two games lost. Osaka Evessa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Oita Heat Devils will play again at home against Osaka Evessa and are hoping to win this game. Top scorers: Osaka Evessa: D.Cox 23+17reb+4ast, N.Walkup 16+8reb+2ast, M.Obuchi 12+3reb+6ast, S.Takeda 10+2reb+2ast, A.Coimbra 10+10reb+1ast, S.Konno 8+1ast Oita H.Devils: W.White 23+12reb+1ast, T.Finger 17+5reb+4ast, T.Shimizu 15+3reb+8ast, C.Tate 12+3reb+1ast, M.Lottich 6+1reb, N.Takushi 4+1reb+7ast
There was a small surprise when seventh ranked Takamatsu FA (3-4) defeated at home 4th ranked Shimane Magic (6-3) 72-61 on Saturday. American power forward Paul Williams (208-83, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: I.D.S. Law) fired a double-double by scoring 10 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The other American import swingman Dexter Lyons (198-81, college: Cent.Florida, agency: I.D.S. Law) chipped in 16 points and 4 steals. Four Takamatsu FA players scored in double figures. American forward Michael Parker (202-81, college: Evergreen St.) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds and point guard Kouki Yamabuchi (183-84) added 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Takamatsu FA moved-up to sixth place. Loser Shimane Magic keeps the fourth position with three games lost. Takamatsu FA will face again higher ranked Shimane Magic (#4) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Top scorers: Takamatsu FA: D.Lyons 16+4reb+3ast, B.Penn 16+2reb, R.Johnson 10+6reb+1ast, P.Williams 10+14reb+4ast, M.Suzuki 7+3reb+3ast, H.Kikuchi 6+1reb+2ast Shimane SM: M.Parker 24+13reb, J.Davis 14+5reb, K.Yamabuchi 8+8reb+4ast, B.Puckett 7+4reb, T.Yokoo 4+2reb, Y.Hikino 2+1ast
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Shiga L-Stars' (3-6) home loss to fifth ranked Fukuoka Rizing (6-3) 75-99 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Fukuoka Rizing. Shiga L-Stars was better in second period 28-26. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fukuoka Rizing made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. American forward Josh Peppers (201-85, college: Cent.Florida, agency: Court Side) fired 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Trinidad and Tobago power forward Julius Ashby (205-82, college: Colorado) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. Four Fukuoka Rizing players scored in double figures. American forward Ray Nixon (203-84, college: Wisconsin, agency: Top Notch Sports) produced 24 points and guard Shinya Ogawa (183-83) added 13 points respectively for lost side. Shiga L-Stars' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Fukuoka Rizing have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Shimane SM and Niigata Albirex. Shiga L-Stars lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. Fukuoka Rizing will have a break next round. Shiga L-Stars will play again at home against Fukuoka Rizing (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Fukuoka Rizing: J.Peppers 23+9reb+3ast, A.Takeno 17+1reb+2ast, J.Nakanishi 16+2reb+2ast, J.Ashby 16+5reb+3ast, M.Kano 9+4reb+2ast, S.Ishitani 9+1reb+2ast Shiga L-Stars: R.Nixon 24+3reb+1ast, S.Ogawa 13+3reb+3ast, W.Arnold 13+2reb+2ast, J.Nakama 9+2reb+1ast, A.Aboya 6+8reb+1ast, T.Fujiwara 6+3reb+4ast
A very close game took place in Yokohama between Yokohama BC and Shinshu BW. Sixth ranked Yokohama BC (5-2) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Shinshu BW (5-4). Yokohama BC managed to escape with a 3-point win 85-82 in the fight for the fifth place. Shinshu BW trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 30-19 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 82-85 at the end of the game. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Draelon Burns (194-85, college: De Paul, agency: Top Notch Sports) scored 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Thomas Kennedy (201-87, college: Detroit Mercy, agency: Global Sports Plaza) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Five Yokohama BC players scored in double figures. Yokohama BC's coach Reggie Geary allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the losing side forward Jermaine Green (203-80, college: N.Texas) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 22 rebounds and swingman D'Mario Curry (201-85, college: Lincoln Memorial) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Yokohama BC have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Shinshu BW lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Yokohama BC will again meet at home Shinshu BW (#6) in the next round. Shinshu BW will have a break next round. Top scorers: Yokohama BC: D.Burns 21+7reb+5ast, P.Butorac 16+7reb+1ast, T.Kennedy 16+8reb+1ast, M.Kabaya 15+5reb+2ast, P.Faye 11+6reb, S.Kouno 5 Shinshu BW: J.Green 24+22reb+2ast, W.Marshall 18+5reb, D.Curry 18+10reb+2ast, T.Goya 6+2ast, T.Saito 6+4reb+3ast, Y.Matsubara 5+1ast
We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when ninth ranked Tokyo Cinq R. (3-6) outscored at home 8th ranked Sendai 89ers (2-5) 89-68 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Tokyo Cinq R.. Sendai 89ers was better in fourth quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Tokyo Cinq R. dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Sendai 89ers' 30. Tokyo Cinq R. had a 36-25 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Tokyo Cinq R. made 7 blocks. American center Jonathan Jones (211-79, agency: TSS Management) fired 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Kenji Sato (180-79) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds. Four Tokyo Cinq R. players scored in double figures. American forward Sam Willard (205-88, college: Pacific) produced 12 points and 7 rebounds and guard Yasuaki Arai (180-83) added 17 points respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo Cinq R. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Shiga L-Stars. Loser Sendai 89ers dropped to the ninth position with five games lost. Tokyo Cinq R. will face again Sendai 89ers (#9) at home in the next round. Top scorers: Tokyo Cinq R.: J.Jones 23+6reb+2ast, H.Takada 13+5reb+3ast, R.Barrett 11+2reb, C.Aoki 11+1reb+2ast, K.Sato 10+13reb+2ast, A.Inoue 9+4reb+1ast Sendai 89ers: Y.Arai 17+1reb, K.Coble 13+3reb, S.Willard 12+7reb+2ast, T.Komoda 10+2reb, A.Nogami 6+3reb+3ast, K.Clarke 5+4reb+1ast
Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Gunma (0-11) was outplayed on the road by third ranked Toyama Grouses (7-4) 99-71 on Saturday. The game without a history. Toyama Grouses led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The game was also dominated by American players. Forward Ira Brown (193-82, college: Gonzaga, agency: SDJ Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Power forward Brandon Cole (203-84, college: Xavier, agency: Global Sports Plaza) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Five Toyama Grouses players scored in double figures. Power forward Lewis Witcher (207-87, college: Virginia Tech) produced 25 points and center Thomas Granado (208-88, college: Concordia Irvine) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Toyama Grouses moved-up to second place. Newly promoted Gunma still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Toyama Grouses will face again Gunma (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Top scorers: Toyama Grouses: M.Joho 18+5reb+2ast, B.Cole 17+5reb+3ast, I.Brown 12+12reb+4ast, A.Garcia 12+2reb, J.Jacob 11+5reb, T.Fujie 11+1reb+3ast Gunma: L.Witcher 25+4reb, T.Granado 12+7reb, N.Williams 8+3reb, T.Tatsuhiko 7+3reb, S.Okada 6+1reb+4ast, K.Tomori 6+5reb+2ast
Second-ranked Akita Happinets (6-1) made lots of trouble for first ranked Iwate Big Bulls (10-1). Iwate Big Bulls managed to secure only two-point victory 76-74. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Akita Happinets. Iwate Big Bulls had a 40-28 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Nigerian-American power forward Reggie Okosa (208-80, college: La Salle, agency: Top Notch Sports) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Carlos Dixon (201-81, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Top Notch Sports) contributed with 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American forward T.J. Cummings (205-81, college: UCLA, agency: Top Notch Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Dion Harris (190-85, college: Michigan) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists in the effort for Akita Happinets. Akita Happinets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Iwate Big Bulls maintains first position with 10-1 record. Akita Happinets at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. Iwate Big Bulls will again play against Akita Happinets (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Akita Happinets will have a break next round. Top scorers: Iwate Big Bulls: C.Dixon 18+9reb+3ast, R.Okosa 18+8reb+4ast, T.Masato 15+9reb+3ast, M.Sawaguchi 9+1reb+1ast, K.Takahashi 8+2reb+2ast, D.Sneed 6+3reb Akita NH: T.Cummings 26+11reb+2ast, D.Harris 16+6reb+9ast, S.Taguchi 9+9reb, A.Kent 8+8reb+1ast, Y.Kikuchi 7+1reb+1ast, K.Shoji 6+3reb+2ast
Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked Niigata Albirex (6-3) outleveled at home 10th ranked Saitama Broncos (1-6) 100-71 on Saturday. They outrebounded Saitama Broncos 45-28 including a 32-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. The game was also dominated by American players. Guard Nile Murry (193-83, college: TCU) fired 18 points and 5 assists for the winners. Center Chris Holm (212-84, college: Vermont, agency: Top Notch Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 rebounds. Niigata Albirex's coach Matt Garrison felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Dameion Baker (192-78, college: Mount Olive) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds and power forward Randall Orr (207-82, college: Georgia Perimeter) added 20 points respectively for lost side. Five Niigata Albirex and four Saitama Broncos players scored in double figures. Niigata Albirex have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 6-3 record, which they share with Shimane SM and Fukuoka Rizing. Saitama Broncos lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with six games lost. Niigata Albirex will face again Saitama Broncos (#10) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Top scorers: Niigata Albirex: N.Murry 18+4reb+5ast, K.Sato 17+1ast, R.Webb 10+10reb, Y.Sato 10+2reb, Y.Ikeda 10+7reb+2ast, C.Holm 10+12reb Saitama Bron.: R.Orr 20+1reb, D.Baker 17+5reb+1ast, Y.Kitamuki 11+3reb+1ast, A.Scott 10+9reb, T.Yamashiro 8+5reb+1ast, Y.Nobihura 3+3reb+1ast
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix (7-5) against ninth ranked Kyoto Hannar. (2-8) on Friday night. Visiting Hamamatsu Phoenix was defeated by Kyoto Hannar. in a tough game in Kyoto 75-84. The hosts trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 50-36 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Kyoto Hannar. made 32-of-39 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game. Kyoto Hannar. outrebounded Hamamatsu Phoenix 41-30 including a 34-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Hamamatsu Phoenix was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. Yu Okada (184-83) fired 20 points and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Masaharu Kataoka (190-85) chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic, agency: Top Notch Sports) produced 12 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import center Elbert Fuqua (211-83, college: UTSA, agency: Top Notch Sports) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kyoto Hannar. moved-up to eighth place. Loser Hamamatsu Phoenix dropped to the third position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Kyoto Hannar.: Y.Okada 20+1reb+4ast, D.Palmer 13+8reb+2ast, M.Kataoka 13+6reb+5ast, L.Pomare 10+10reb, J.Boyette 7+3reb+2ast, M.Cousin 6+7reb Hamamatsu P.: A.Thomas 16+2reb, S.Nakanishi 14+2reb+1ast, E.Fuqua 12+7reb+3ast, J.Parmer 12+8reb+3ast, K.Galloway 6+5reb+2ast, A.Ohta 6+1reb+1ast
Rising star Rui Hachimura makes impressive debut for Japan men's national team - 1 hour ago
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Fast, strong, big, smooth, phenom, hope, slam dunker, highlight film. The list goes on and on when you think of words and phrases to describe Japan's hoopster Rui Hachimura (203-F-98). You can probably now add 'rock star' to the list. On Friday night, the 20-year-old athletic forward made his debut on the top-flight team of the Japan men's national squad in the first of a two-game exhibition series against South Korea at Ota City General Gymnasium. Hachimura, a Gonzaga University player w... [read more]
Fast, strong, big, smooth, phenom, hope, slam dunker, highlight film. The list goes on and on when you think of words and phrases to describe Japan's hoopster Rui Hachimura (203-F-98). You can probably now add 'rock star' to the list. On Friday night, the 20-year-old athletic forward made his debut on the top-flight team of the Japan men's national squad in the first of a two-game exhibition series against South Korea at Ota City General Gymnasium. Hachimura, a Gonzaga University player who is speculated to be an NBA draft pick as early as next year, drew bigger cheers from fans than other players in Japan's 88-80 win. Later this month, Japan will have its back against the wall going into its final two games in the first round of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers later. The Akatsuki Five, who have not been secured a host country spot for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics from FIBA, are on the verge of being eliminated as they are 0-4 in in Group B. In the first game against South Korea, Japan coach Julio Cesar Lamas (agency: Duran International ) sent Hachimura onto the court as a starter at power forward. Hachimura did his job well enough guarding South Korea's big men and cleaning the boards, taking advantage of his 203-cm height and physical strength. But some of the moves Hachimura showed were not what typical players at the position would make. On a couple of occasions, Hachimura dribbled from the backcourt, instead of giving the ball to the point guard, and went all the way to the basket and scored on layups. No other big men on the Japan squad, which is a provisional one at the moment, are able to do that and the fans were in awe when they saw those plays from Hachimura. 'Yes, it's one of the things that I have confidence doing,' Hachimrua said of his own coast-to-coast plays after the game. One of the concerns for him had been conditioning, because he wrapped up his sophomore season for the Zags in mid-March, when the West Coast Conference team lost in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament. The majority of the players on the national squad had played until more recently competing in the B. League. 'It's been a while for me to play in an actual game, but I think I was able to move better than I thought,' Hachimura said. 'I'd practiced with my teammates (after the season was over), training hard.' After all, Hachimura did what fans expected him to do.. He was the team's second-leading scorer (17 points) behind Nick Fazekas (211-F/C-85, college: Nevada), who recently became a naturalized citizen and made his debut for Japan as well. The Toyama native also racked up seven rebounds, four assists and a pair of blocks, in just under 26 minutes. The 32-year-old Fazekas, the 2016-17 B. League MVP, said that he felt good alongside someone with the type of talent that Hachimura has. He added that he was pleased that Hachimura 'catches every pass I throw to him' and he 'can finish' his shots. 'It was a lot of fun to play with him,' the 210-cm Fazekas said. 'A lot of fun to be with him out there.' Japan played its previous four contests in the World Cup qualifiers without Hachimura and Fazekas. Lamas said that while he was happy to have the two on his squad this time, he thinks that the results for those past games would've been 'completely' different had they been on board. The Argentine bench boss insisted that the addition of Hachimura and Fazekas have given his team more options and flexibility, adding that he would continue to use the two bigs at the same time on the floor. 'But I'm not going to be attached to (the idea of using them simultaneously) too much,' Lamas said. 'Although we used him at the 4 position, Rui can play as a 3. Nick can play both at 4 and 5. So we are going to see what we can do rotating those guys.' The Japan Basketball Association created an ad-like poster with a big picture of Hachimura and is using it as an advertisement for the South Korea series and the World Cup qualifiers. The catchphrase for it is ''The Hope' is returning'.' At the Ota gym, too, a gigantic version of the poster was posted outside of the arena. There is no doubt that Hachimura is now a big attraction for fans. And it seems that the JBA is putting too much pressure on the shoulders of the 20-year-old. But Hachimura does not dwell on this, however. 'I mean, it's something they do outside (of the team),' said Hachimura, who averaged 11.6 points and 4.7 rebounds for Gonzaga this past season. 'I'm just one of the players on this team and I'm happy that I'm part of it, being able to compete with them.' Japan will play its second and final exhibition against South Korea at Sendai's Xebio Arena on Sunday. Japan will then take on unbeaten Australia at Chiba Port Arena on June 29 and fly to Taiwan to compete in its final first-round game of the Asian qualifiers on July 2. Courtesy of: japantimes.co.jp
Ryukyu Golden Kings Okinawa adds Kantake to their roster - 1 hour ago
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Ryukyu Golden Kings Okinawa (B League) added to their roster 31-year old forward Hayato Kantake (194-86). He played last season at Osaka Evessa. But in 30 B League games he recorded just 0.9ppg. The previous (16-17) season Kantake played at Shimane Magic where in 9 B League games he averaged 8.1ppg and 1.8rpg. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final. Kantake was a member of Japanese U22 National Team back in 2006. He has played previously for four other teams: To... [read more]
Ryukyu Golden Kings Okinawa (B League) added to their roster 31-year old forward Hayato Kantake (194-86). He played last season at Osaka Evessa. But in 30 B League games he recorded just 0.9ppg. The previous (16-17) season Kantake played at Shimane Magic where in 9 B League games he averaged 8.1ppg and 1.8rpg. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final. Kantake was a member of Japanese U22 National Team back in 2006. He has played previously for four other teams: Toyota Alvark, Iwate Big Bulls, Takushoku University and Kyoto Hannaryz.
Osaka Evessa (B League) tabbed 27-year old point guard Shunki Hatakeyama (170-91). It is actually his comeback to Osaka as he has played here before. Hatakeyama has played for the last two years at Niigata Albirex in the B League. In 49 games he averaged 6.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1apg and 1.1spg last season. Hatakeyama was selected to BJ-League All-Star Game in 2015. He has played previously for Nishinomiya Storks. By Eurobasket Data Center Check also Complete Transfers List in Japan [read more]
Osaka Evessa (B League) tabbed 27-year old point guard Shunki Hatakeyama (170-91). It is actually his comeback to Osaka as he has played here before. Hatakeyama has played for the last two years at Niigata Albirex in the B League. In 49 games he averaged 6.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1apg and 1.1spg last season. Hatakeyama was selected to BJ-League All-Star Game in 2015. He has played previously for Nishinomiya Storks.
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